Fire Situation Report – February 23, 2012

PROTECTION AREA STATISTICS* for Time Period 0800 thru 0800, 02/22/12 thru 02/23/12

Not available at the time of this report

* Protection Area Statistics do not reflect local fire department’s fire run information. Statistics are for the ODAFF-Forestry Services’ eighteen county Fire Protection Area in eastern Oklahoma unless otherwise noted in the Discussion section of this report.

** - These statistics are from Fire Departments that have reported their information on the Oklahoma Forestry Services web-based Fire Reporting System. Totals do not reflect the total acres burned or total number of fires that have occurred in Oklahoma.

Statewide Discussion: No reports of unusual fire activity or requests for State assistance were received yesterday. A cold front will cross the state today which will result in dry, very windy conditions across Oklahoma. Very high to extreme fire danger will exist today across the majority of the state.

A Red Flag Warning is in effect for today from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. south of a rough line from Osage County to Harmon County. Expected fire weather conditions include north to northwest winds sustained from 20-30 mph with higher gusts, relative humidity dropping into the upper teens to mid-20% range, with temperatures from 60-70 degrees. Any fire starting today has the potential to burn very intensely, exhibit rapid rates of spread and erratic fire behavior.

For more information about the Red Flag Warning, click on the links below for the National Weather Service Norman and Tulsa Forecast Offices:

SPECIAL NOTE TO FIREFIGHTERS: Poor humidity recovery in fine fuels overnight will allow fires to start early today or may have allowed fires to burn all night. Be prepared for mobilization to wildfires early today. Light south to southwest winds that exist this morning will give way to strong north to northwest winds by this afternoon. If involved in fire suppression today, be prepared for the wind shift and ensure that the south and east flanks of a fire are secure to prevent the fire from escaping control when the winds shift and increase.

SPECIAL NOTE TO THE PUBLIC: Outdoor burning is not advised today due to the strong winds and low relative humidity expected as a cold front crosses the state. This morning take the time to make sure that any outdoor burning conducted yesterday is secure or dead out to prevent any live embers from blowing across control lines and possibly starting a wildfire.

A County Commissioner Burn Ban is in effect for Texas County. Click on the link listed below for the latest and most current Burn Ban information: